Please join Witchcraft & Wellness in Welcoming our new “Official Kitchen Witch” – Kolika Elle Kirk from Westwood Hills, KS

Greetings Witchcraft and Wellness Family,

Kolika Elle Kirk

I first met the very charming Kolika Elle Kirk many years ago in Los Angeles. This vivacious young woman was a very visible part of the Los Angeles Pagan Community. At the time I was very popular for hosting rather exciting private parties at my home in Midway City, CA which earned me the moniker “The Gatsby of Goth” from the Los Angeles Times.  Through my sons Thom and Alyn, I was introduced to some of the most talented young pagans in the community. Some of them became my students. Some of them became my friends. And I’m proud to say that some of them matured into some very,very fine adults who contribute their skills and support to our community both professionally and personally. Kolika is someone who I have watched grow into a very educated, cultured, philanthropic young adult.  Today, she is an “out of the broom closet” practicing pagan who is openly a witch in the highly competitive culinary industry.

After leaving Los Angeles, Kolika relocated to Arizona, but later dropped out of culinary school six months before graduating to help her mother, who was fighting ovarian cancer. With Kolika’s support and loving care, her mom refused chemotherapy and became a vegan. Kolika created a special diet for her that was tasty AND healing. She has been cancer-free for 3 years now and is studying to become a Homeopathic Doctor and Master Herbalist. (HoliMary.com) Kolika’s personal sacrifice, talent and expertise make her the perfect addition to the Witchcraft and Wellness team. Our High Priestess Mary Caldwell, who has joined the Obesity Action Coalition as an advocate, is looking forward to working with Kolika in spreading awareness, education and empowerment, through our coven, events, social media, blogs and press.

Kolika studied “savory” in school, but switched to “pastry” two years ago. She is also a self-taught pastry chef. Kolika is very involved with the ACF(American Culinary Federation) chapter in Kansas City. She blogs regularly on WannaBGourmande.Blogspot.com (her own blog) and has written for LookyLocal.com as the Kansas City Food Examiner. She has written a few articles for OpenSalon.com that received recognition(Sonoran hot dogs, spinach salad). And she is currently blogging “Culinary School,’ which we are delighted to re-blog and repost for her. We know that many of you will be thrilled to learn that she specializes in gluten-free celiac-friendly desserts and foods.

Please stay tuned for an event program that we are creating for the first annual GATHERING OF PAGAN SOULS at Eighty Acres Farm located at 28013 167th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048 beginning on Thursday May 21, 2015.

Blessed BE!

EDWARD FITCH

HEALING BY GROUP (A health and wholeness ritual from “Revised Rituals of the Pagan Way” – by Ed Fitch)

If the ill one is male, then the Priestess shall guide the group. If the healing must be done for a woman, then the Priest shall guide the group. All of the Grove shall sit just inside the circle of candles about the one to be healed. The Priestess or Priest and the afflicted one, will explain to all the nature of the healing. And all shall freely give their own feelings and opinions as to what need be done.

Then, he or she shall take the candle and holding it aloft, shall say:

I do charge you
In the Name of Our Lady of Healing
And the God who knows all curing
To heal, to put aright the body and mind,
And to give release from pain.
Blessed Be.

All: Blessed Be.

Ed Fitch and High Priestess Mary Caldwell

 The Priestess or Priest then stands beside the ill one, holding the candle in front of the subject’s eyes, slightly above, and about a half foot away.

 

The Priestess or Priest shall then say in these or similar words:

Now as you gaze steadily
At this simple flame,
Seeing only its light,
All those about the circle
Shall concentrate steadily
On your healing.
All who sit about
This circle of candles,
Hear me and do as I say …
Look closely at the one who is afflicted.
Hold out your hands to our friend
And picture clearly the pure life-force
Flowing from all who sit here
Strong and powerful …
Into this afflicted body,
There to remain and to strengthen
Until healing is done.

(Repeat as long as it is felt to be necessary)

The Priestess or Priest, and all the rest, shall remaining concentrating and assisting with the magic of their hands until all feel that the healing, or as much as is possible, has been done. Then the Priestess or Priest shall close the rite by saying:

In the Names of the High Gods …

Quan Yin – from Found on triballyinfused.tumblr.com

This rite of healingIs finished!

Those nearest the various candles shall put them out.

After performing this operation those performing the healing should thoroughly cleanse themselves – as well as any jewelry, all silver, and any magical tools – then eat and drink well to restore their strength.

The work of healing is cumulative: that which is done will stay with the ill one and continue working. In some cases however, it may be necessary to use several sessions of healing.

(Other means of healing may be added to this basic ritual, if such is deemed appropriate.)

BACKGROUND ON THE PAGAN WAY (from Neo-Paganism.com)

“Ed Fitch is a Gardnerian Wiccan. In 1969, together with Joseph Wilson, Thomas Giles, Tony Kelly, and others, Fitch began circulating an “Outer Court Book of Shadows”, which initially was intended as an introduction to Gardnerian Wicca, and his Pagan Way materials, which ultimately were used as an exoteric alternative to traditional Wicca.

The Pagan Way system was open (i.e., required no initiation). It was also nature-oriented, emphasizing the celebration of nature over occultism and magic. The materials were placed in the public domain to gain the widest possible distribution. They were first published in The Waxing Moon, later called The Crystal Well. In 1974, the Pagan Way materials were published by Herman Slater in A Book of Pagan Rituals, but Slater did not identify his sources. The use of the term “Pagan”, instead of Wiccan, contributed to the conflation of Neo-Paganism with Wicca.

Gerald Gardner – The Father of Modern Witchcraft

In some cases, the Pagan Way acted as entry point into Gardnerian Wicca. However, the Pagan Way became a tradition in itself, with autonomous Pagan Way groves spreading across the country. The Pagan Way tradition has been called the “American Tradition” by Aidan Kelly and James Lewis. Ed Fitch, Joe Wilson, and Gwydion Pendderwen organized three sister organizations: the Pagan Way on the East Coast of the U.S., Nemeton on the West Coast, and the Pagan Movement in England (which later became The Pagan Federation). Nemeton later became part of the Church of All Worlds. The Church of All Worlds adopted the Pagan Way liturgy which further facilitated the spread of the Pagan Way.

The Pagan Way was a member organization of both the 1972 Council of Themis and the 1972 Council of Earth Religions, two of the first attempts to create umbrella Pagan organizations. Ed Fitch also attended the 1974 First Pagan Ecumenical Council and was a signer of the Covenant of the Goddess.

Found on strangerains.tumblr.com

The Pagan Way groves began to dwindle and disappear around 1980. According to Aidan Kelly, with the formation of the Covenant of the Goddess in 1975 and with the spread of the Pagan festival movement, there came to be less and less need for the Pagan Way. However, by that time, the materials had been so widely circulated, they had become part of an amorphous body of Neo-Pagan rituals and writings that so many Neo-Pagans today are familiar with, but few know the source of. Ed Fitch relates attending a Neo-Pagan wedding years later where he heard his liturgy being used, but it was attributed to an ancient pagan source.”

Manifesting Health and Longevity : Q & A with Wiccan Elder, Edward Fitch

Witchcraft and Wellness: Why are health and longevity so important to YOU?

Ed Fitch: According to the National Institute on Aging,

“As life expectancy in the United States continues to rise, the maintenance of physical independence among older Americans has emerged as a major clinical and public health priority.”

Ed Fitch and his son, Thom.

I’m, in my 70’s and while so many of my peers are suffering from severe chronic illnesses, I’ve managed to stay healthy. I regularly enjoy going on trips around the world to explore exotic locales with my family. This is one of the joys of my life. I thank the Gods that I can still keep up with my 2 sons. The recent deaths of so many of my friends from diseases that could have been prevented with diet and exercises has inspired me to speak out.

Witchcraft and Wellness: How do you manage to keep so fit?

Ed Fitch:  Much of being “in condition” is in the mind. I make a supreme effort to enjoy my life.  I plan trips, stay active, eat right and try to have as much fun as possible. For me, every day is a gift.

Ed Fitch in New Orleans 2011.

And every time the Gods bless me with joy and fun;  I remember so many of my friends and peers who have literally “given up” and surrendered to canes, or staying inside, away from Nature where we belong … and it makes me sad. I keep fit mainly because I’ve conditioned myself to think, feel and behave like a fit person … without considering my age … without allowing my mind to convince me otherwise.

Witchcraft and Wellness:  You’ve already shared your morning exercise routine. Do you have routine to keep yourself motivated and on track?

The LA Times “Gatsby of Goth” – Edward Fitch.

Ed Fitch:  (laughing) Well, I confess that I do throw a lot of parties. I enjoy entertaining. And yes, I’ve been known to have an extensive costume wardrobe which is at my disposal for events, parties and an occasional evening out. I feel young and healthy, so I behave that way. And from all reports, I wear it well. But it’s all attitude my dear, that and good nutrition … and “mind control.”

The most relevant contribution that I can make to the Pagan Community right now is to teach my students, my peers, my friends, everyone really … how to apply the magickal practice of “mind over matter” especially when they are discouraged, depressed or unmotivated to exercise, count calories, use herbs and organic foods, etc … in order to maintain these bodies that the Gods gave us.

We are magickal people you know. It really shouldn’t be that difficult to make health and fitness fun and magickal, instead of tedious, boring and even daunting.  In my experience your magick is only as strong as you are.

Witchcraft and Wellness:  Is there a magickal formula for Health and Longevity?

Ed Fitch:  Hmmm … let me check in my fitness “grimoire” … There are many magickal things that we can do to stay fit in mind, body AND spirit. Here is an example of an effective mental conditioning to build and improve yourself while exercising.

One should always be involved in some sort of exercise and physical improvement regimen. Not only is this excellent for the body, but it provides the basic routine around which a personal “longevity imagery” can be built, and have effects which go well beyond improving your physical condition.

Process:  Set up at least a 15-20 minute session of walking, jogging, or running (depending on your own personal capabilities and limitations), three or more times a week. Pace your breathing to be regular, timed with the paces you take, and work your mental imagery in with your breathing.

With each breath out: Visualize that a transparent cocoon is rippling down from your head to your feet, pressing all weakness, impurities, and potential illnesses out of your body, cleansing every cell, and pushing all this dross into the Earth, where it will be metabolized by the physical/magickal environment.

With each breath in: Visualize that an extremely fine, blue-white “comb” of Life Force ripples in from around you, through every cell of your body, from the top of your head on down through your entire body. Picture in your mind (as clearly as possible) that his blue-white “comb” realigns every DNA spiral in every cell nucleus in your body, smoothing and realigning all DNA and cellular structure to that which you had at your prime physical age…perhaps 25 years or so.

This visualization should be performed when exercising or when walking, regularly and frequently. It must become second nature, and imbedded deeply into your subconscious

Performing these or similar rejuvenation exercises frequently and regularly is a key part of building confidence and a more and more improved image of yourself. And that which you firmly image will, definitely work to make you BE younger.

Morning Exercise Routine – by Edward Fitch

I try to do this sequence just about every morning, moving immediately from one exercise into the next. The whole routine may take 10 to 15 minutes, and is extremely invigorating, especially for someone like me who is in his 70s! You might want to do this with some cheerful, invigorating music, if it’s not going to bother other members of the family.

from tribesports.com

1. PUSHUPS – Try for at least 10, or more until you get that “burning” sensation in your muscles. It’s permissible to do this with your knees down on the floor or carpet, if the “Plank” position (on hands and toes with your body rigid) is too taxing. ( If you are a really ambitious Chuck Norris fan, do this one on your fists!)

2. LEG LIFTS – Try for 10, 20, or 50, or whatever you can manage, until you get that “burning” sensation in the muscles of that side. Then roll over and lift your other leg the same number of repetitions.

3. SITUPS – Hook your feet under the bed or a table and bend upwards from the hip for this one, or at the very least put your hands behind your head and lift your shoulders as high as you can for each repetition. Start with 10 repetitions or more, or until you get that “burning” sensation in your abdomen muscles. Then slowly increase the repetitions on following days.

http://www.knightshall.com

4. LEG LIFTS – This one is a favorite with football coaches everywhere, but it’s not really too difficult. With you hands underneath your butt, lift both legs up, then spread them out, then back together, then lower to just above the floor, spread your legs out, and then back together. Start with 10 repetitions or more, or until you get that “burning” sensation in your abdomen muscles.

5. SQUATS- With your arms out front for balance, lower down to balance on your toes, then rise to a standing position. Repeat, balancing yourself against a bedpost, some furniture, or the wall if you need. Try for 10 or 12 repetitions, or as much as your leg muscles can manage. As we get older the leg muscles tend to get weaker and one’s balance can get to be less certain, so this kind of exercise becomes more and more important!

Then finish dressing, and reward yourself with a good, healthy breakfast.

(Off topic, but interesting: If possible, try to go for a walk of a mile each day … some of my Russian ancestors swore that this was their key to living to the 90 to 100-year mark.)

THE SYNCHRONICITY IS COMING – by Edward Fitch

The greatest advance in human history is now just a few years … or at most a couple decades … away. Quite probably using ultra-small nanotech devices that are now under development by firms in Silicon Valley (and possibly in other locales as well); we are looking at cures for heart disease, cancer, aids… and even death itself! Why? Because the youthful presidents of those most forward-looking companies want … like the rest of us … to live a long, long time. And they have the most advanced technology in history at their disposal.

As such technology becomes available the world’s population will grow more and more rapidly. Colonization beyond Earth will become a MUST. Travel within the solar system is now more and more feasible, thanks to the ongoing development of more and more economical ways of going into space …and other non-publicized approaches that I have seen in laboratories and in secret government briefings. NASA has been developing theory for a “warp drive” inspired by the TV series “Star Trek”. As a physicist I find their studies to be interesting and quite valid.

And what of us who are not on the cutting edge of technology? For the present it’s up to us to be ready for the radical changes that are soon to come. Read and study to develop your mind as broadly and deeply as humanly possible …and more! Above all, keep your health at its best by healthy living, proper diet, and avoiding hazardous life choices. And destructive life styles that would inevitably lead to high blood pressure, dangerous cholesterol levels, bad kidneys, and smokers’ cancer. All that, inevitably, would kill us early!

Of course there will be some rough and dangerous times in all that is about to come. We’ll individually and singularly have to work our way through them. (Our Government might help …but don’t depend on it/them!)

I for one would enjoy the adventures that would come of living for centuries with a rejuvenated body remaining as if in its thirties, of traveling to distant worlds and far, far beyond all horizons!

The future is upon us … being ready!

What’s YOUR Daily Practice?

yogini. goddess. mama.

As a yoga teacher, I am constantly hearing how important it is to have your own, personal daily practice.  For obvious reasons, right?  A strong, grounding, daily practice helps you avoid yoga teacher burnout and keeps you healthy.  A daily practice is your self-care when your days are spent nurturing the students who show up on their mats in your class.  A daily practice keeps you rooted in your truth so you can approach others with compassion, even on your bad days.

But, what IS a daily practice?

Before I had a baby, I was practicing every day.  And by that I mean I was practicing pretty intense asana, with some pretty intense teachers, surrounded by advanced yogis.  I dedicated 90 minutes every day (plus the commute to and from the studio) to my physical practice.  Meditation came easy.  My first teacher, Reegan Sarah Lessie, would often say “Exhaust the…

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Cauliflower Crust Pizza

nutritionallyworthit

I want to meet the genius who thought of this idea because it actually works and it’s delicious! This pizza crust is gluten-free, low-carb, high fibre and a very brilliant way to add veggies into your meal. The thinner the crust, the crispier and crunchier it is 🙂

Here I topped the pizza with grilled eggplant, pumpkin, red onion and tomato. I also added psyillum husk for the extra fibre but you can opt it out if you like.

This recipe should give you enough for two normal sized eight slice pizza.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 large Cauliflower head (about 3 cups)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp psyllium husk
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp dried herbs
• Small pinch of salt and black pepper
• Toppings of your choice – see my tips below

Method:

1. Place chopped cauliflower into a food processor and process until pieces look like grains of…

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Recommendations On How To Reduce Weight Naturally And Effectively

Your Number One Concern

For some people, reducing weight is one of the hardest things to do. It takes more than just strength and concentration. It involves determination, focus and perseverance. For this reason, many people get easily discouraged in attempting to reduce their weight especially if the results are not that evident yet.

There are actually a lot of solutions on how to reduce weight. Expert health and fitness professionals say that in order to get the results you wanted, you have to really change your lifestyle. This is the first step in order to achieve a healthy and fit body. Unhealthy lifestyles such as excessive alcohol drinking, smoking, unhealthy eating and abnormal sleeping habits can greatly affect your health. If you want to start becoming fit, you have to get rid of your unhealthy lifestyle first.

Make sure that you opt for healthy food choices such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid…

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Eating late at night bad for brain

vijaykrishna

Be warned if you have a strong urge to eat late at night for a new study shows that this could be bad for your brain.

Eating late at night especially during the hours when our bodies think they should be sleeping could disrupt learning and memory. The results of the study may pose a possible health concern not only for those eating late at night but for the millions who are engaged in shift work.

“ We have this illusion that with the flip of a switch we can work at any time and part of that is eating at any time” Christopher Colwell, professor  psychiatry and bio-behavioural  sciences  University  of California   Los Angeles was quoted as saying in Today.

Although the new research was done on mice the general principles also apply to humans the Inquisitr reported. The modern lifestyle of working long hours does not allow the…

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Detoxing to the BEET